Worthington Kilbourne students getting love from across state with "The Heart Project"

by Mike McCarthy

Athletic teams from across the state are submitting their photos to The Heart Project blog to show their support for Worthington Kilbourne students after a deadly crash (The Heart Project)

WORTHINGTON (WSYX/WTTE) —

An online tribute was growing Wednesday as Worthington City Schools resumed classes less than a week after a deadly crash involving the Worthington Kilbourne girls water polo team.

Senior Volleyball player Cassady Watson started "The Heart Project," which encouraged other Central Ohio teams to take pictures with paper or hand hearts, and then share it on social media with the hashtags #WorthingtonStrong & #OneTeamToAnother.

Watson and her volleyball teammates took the first picture.

"As soon as something happened, we said, 'What can we do...and show them we care?" Cassady recalled.

The crash on August 12th killed 19-year-old former student Courtney Fisher. Her mom, two younger sisters, and two players were critically hurt.

"The Heart Project" has inspired dozens of teams from Ohio and beyond to share messages of support.

"At the end of the day it's about family, and we are a family as a volleyball team and as a Worthington community," Cassady said.